Package for the sale of image-quality printing paper and display of images printed on the paper

ABSTRACT

A package for the sale of image-quality printing paper facilitates digital image printing by providing blank sheets of image-quality printing paper pre-cut to accommodate image printing sizes for personal use. A rigid container is constructed and arranged to provide convenient protection, storage, display, and transportation of the blank sheets and the images subsequently printed thereon. The container may be provided with a multifunctional stand therein. Alternatively, or in addition, the container may be provided with a frame for surrounding, displaying, and holding the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to point of sale packaging forimage-grade printing paper which can be additionally used for displayand storage of images printed upon the paper.

[0003] 2. Background of the Invention

[0004] Digital imaging including artwork, photography, or even text, nowenjoys wide-spread popularity for personal use. Digital printers such asink jet, laser jet and dye sublimation printers are becoming popularmeans for the average consumer to print a variety of images for personaldisplay and in some instances, limited distribution.

[0005] High grade papers especially adapted for accepting digital imageshave been developed for use with these digital printers. Such high gradepapers, some grades of which may sometimes be called “photo-finishingpapers”, will hereinafter be referred to as “image-grade papers,” todistinguish them from standard paper used largely for the printing oftext and from standard light sensitive photographic papers. Image-gradepapers may be adapted for receiving water based inks, used with ink-jetprinters which, for example, are currently popular for home use. Thesepapers are adapted to handle the higher water content concomitant withthe higher amount of water-based ink used in printing an image ascompared to a text based document. These papers may consist of fourlayers including a receiver layer, a barrier layer, a base layer and abacking layer enabling the paper to set the ink, handle the water andprotect the paper from saturation which may lead to paper wrinkling,smearing, and image degradation. Gloss level, fade resistance and wearresistance may also be carefully controlled attributes of theseimage-grade papers. The paper may become quite expensive to the consumeras its ability to accept and display high resolution printed imagesbecomes more refined.

[0006] Currently these image-grade papers are provided to the generalpublic largely in letter size 8.5×11 inch format, packaged in somecombination of cardboard and shrink-wrap outer covers. Neither the sizeof the paper nor its container is particularly suitable for personalprinting and display of standard sized images. For example, a typicalphotograph, or print, may be in 3×5 inch or 5×7 inch format, both ofwhich are accepted by most people as standard and reasonable sizes.Also, for these sizes of prints, or images, a great deal of displayhardware, such as various frames, in already extant.

[0007] To trim such a printed image from a single sheet of image-gradepaper may result in much waste of expensive paper and will requireconcerted effort by the individual wishing to display the print. If aperson prints an image to utilize as much of the 8.5×11 inch paper aspossible, then display of the image with ubiquitous frames becomesproblematic. Also the 8.5×11 inch format will be recognized as a textformat and may be psychologically less pleasing for display. Further,storage of the odd sized prints may be problematic.

[0008] Therefore what is needed is a packaging which suppliesimage-grade paper in traditional image display sizes and formats inorder to prevent waste and promote convenience of digital image printingand display for the user. It is further desirable that such packaging beuseful for the convenient display or storage, or both, of the imagesprinted thereon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention solves the above needs in the art byproviding precut image-grade paper sheets for typical image sizes andformats in a sturdy, easily-stored container which may be further usedas a display stand for the printed images.

[0010] The image-grade papers provided may be adapted for receivingwater based inks, used with ink-jet printers which, for example, arecurrently popular for home use, or the image-grade papers may be adaptedfor use with other printers which may dispense variously formulatedimage printing compounds onto the paper.

[0011] The container is preferably a rigid plastic case which islightweight and easily mass produced such as by injection molding. Thecontainer preferably has at least one clear, or translucent, or both,surface for facilitating display of a precut sheet upon which an imagehas been printed by the purchaser. The closed container will provideclose fitting halves to protect the expensive image grade paper and mayfurther provide protection for the printed image by affording display inthe closed position.

[0012] In one embodiment, a specially-adapted stand is provided for theclosed paper container whereby display and protection of the printedimages, as well as any unused blank sheets, is provided. The stand mayalternatively be used inside the container as a means to bias the papertowards the display surface of the container. The stand is preferablyconstructed and arranged to fit within the container before purchase andhas two halves connected by a living hinge to facilitate the propershape for use as a display stand or provide the bias means as statedabove.

[0013] The container is preferably provided as a two part boxincorporating a closely fitted base and hinged cover allowing the coverto swing through about a 315° arc. According to one such embodiment ofthe present invention, the cover section can then serve as an uprightdisplay easel supported by the base section in an abutting relationshipwithout the need for elaborate hinge or stop mechanisms. The containerpreferably has at least one internal shelf constructed and arranged tohold the blank paper within the container and to place a printed sheetin a display position.

[0014] Through use of the present invention, small scale printing ofindividualized announcements, artistic portfolios, or other commercialor aesthetic images may be created and conveniently conveyed. Simpleimage printing and display for personal use is, of course, contemplated.

[0015] By correctly sizing the container, ubiquitous storage means suchas those available for compact disc storage, may be used to facilitatethe storage of the containers when they are used for storing printedimages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 depicts a laid open position of one embodiment of thecontainer and paper according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a closed position;

[0018]FIG. 3 depicts the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a displayposition;

[0019]FIG. 4 depicts a laid flat position of one embodiment of amultipurpose stand according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the stand of FIG. 4 and thecontainer arranged in an alternative display position.

[0021] FIGS. 6-9 depict an embodiment including a frame for surroundingand displaying the container and paper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] Referencing FIG. 1, one embodiment of a point of purchaseimage-quality paper packaging, storage and display container 11 is shownin the open state. The container generally comprises a rigid boxstructure having a first section 13 serving as a cover or base portionas further explained below, and a second section 15 serving as the paperretaining portion. The first section 13 and second section 15 arehingedly connected by a simple pin-in-hole arrangement 17 on opposingsides 19, 21 of the container 11. The general structure of the container11 is akin to a common compact disc case and may be congruently sizedtherewith to utilize compact disc storage racks. The hinged portions ofthe first and second sections 13, 15 are constructed to allow thesections to rotate freely through about 315° until the major surface 23of the second section 15 abuts an edge 25 of the major surface of thefirst section 13, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0023] The container is suitably formed by injection molding crystalpolystyrene, K-resin, or a combination thereof, although other materialsmay be found suitable. The entire container may be translucent and clearalthough only the second section major surface 23 needs to be clear inan embodiment such as FIG. 5 where the container 11 is closed and yetutilized as a display. Alternatively as seen in FIG. 3, the container 11may be utilized in an open position as a display, leaving the imageexposed to the air and thus requiring no clear surfaces on the container11. Certain embodiments of the present invention may utilize ultraviolet(UV) light inhibitors or colors in the material of the container ifdesired.

[0024] The second section 15 is shown with a single shelf 29, providedwith a lip 31 extending parallel to the major surface 23 from a sidewall 33 of the second section. The shelf 29 is provided as a simplemeans for releasably holding blank paper sheets 35 within the secondsection 15. The lip 31 may be sized at 2.9×0.46 inches in an embodimentsized congruently with a standard compact disc case, sometimes alsocalled a jewel box or case. The ordinarily skilled artisan willappreciate that various constructions may be utilized for thepaper-holding function without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

[0025] The paper 35 is sized to fit closely within the confines of thecontainer 11. The paper 35 and the container 11 are preferably providedin sizes close to standard image printing formats such as three by five(3×5) inch, four by six (4×6) inch, or five by seven (5×7) inch, all ofwhich may utilize to some degree storage containers mass produced forthe storage of compact disc containers. A standard compact disccontainer, or jewel box, has outer dimensions of 4.92 inches by 5.65inches by 0.41 inch. The present invention may utilize the injectionmolds of jewel boxes with minimal modifications.

[0026] The paper is preferably a premium quality image-grade blank paperat greater than 20 pound weight and a brightness ratio of 92 or more aswill be understood by those of skill in the paper arts. More preferably,the image-grade blank paper is of the highest quality for imagereproduction such as coated or glossy so called “photo printing” papers.A variety of paper grades may also be provided in a single containerallowing the consumer to test printing on less expensive grade paperbefore committing to a print on the most expensive grade of paperprovided. At a depth of 0.41 inch, the container 11 will generally hold14-20 such blank sheets of image-grade printing paper. By pre-sizing thepaper to meet standard image sizes and/or formats, the present inventionwill result in less waste of the expensive image-grade papers, as wellas less wasted packaging, and minimal effort on the part of theindividual who wishes to print a stored visual image.

[0027] Referencing FIG. 2, the container 11 is shown in a closedposition with the first section 13 and the second section 15 releasablyengaged and containing the multiple sheets of blank image-grade printingpaper 35 therein. Also indicated therein is a stand 47, as furtherexplained below. Sales, branding, or identifying indicia may be easilyplaced into the container 11 and remain visible when the container, orparts thereof, are constructed from translucent materials. A wrappingmay also be placed over the container 11 to protect both the container,or a display surface thereof, and the paper 35, if desired.

[0028] Referencing FIG. 3, the container 11 is shown in one possibledisplay position. The first and second sections 13, 15 have beendisengaged from their closed position (FIG. 2) and rotated through abouta 315° arc placing the second section at about a 45° angle when thefirst section 13 is placed on the horizontal to act as a base forsupporting the upright second section 15. A single paper sheet 37 havingan image 39 printed thereon, has been placed in the shelf 29 with theimage facing away from the second section major surface 23 for display.Cutaways 41 may be provided in opposing side walls 43 of the secondsection 15 to provide for ease of paper handling. The second sectionmajor surface 23 abuts the first section major surface 27 at an edge 25thereof A cutaway 45 in the second section major surface 23 behind theshelf 29 may be provided for ease of molding.

[0029] Referencing FIGS. 4, the stand 47 is shown in a laid flatposition. The stand 47 is preferably a bilaterally symmetrical one pieceapparatus molded from a resilient plastic polymer. The line of symmetryis a thinned area serving as a living hinge 49. Also referencing FIG. 5,the living hinge 49 allows the halves of the stand 47 to be foldeddownward whereby inside portions 53 of support hooks 51 integral to eachhalf of the stand 47 may support the container 11. Outside portions 55of support hooks 51 are configured to contact a horizontal surface.Contiguous with each support hook 51 is an angled front edge 57 servingas further support for the container 11 in the display position (FIG.5). Rearward of the angled edge 57, the body 59 of the stand 47 formsthe remainder of the support structure and provides an additional edge61, contiguous with outside portions 55, for each stand half forcontacting the horizontal surface on which the stand rests. Due to theresilient nature of the living hinge 49, once the stand 47 has beenfolded in half it will have a tendency to assume a partially flattenedshape thereby making the hinge 49 useful as a biasing means for urging apaper sheet 37 towards a major surface, e.g., 23, of the container 11when the stand 49 is replaced inside the container 11, as shown in FIG.2.

[0030] A magnet 61 may be glued to the outside of the major surface 27of the first section 13 to aid in using the container 11 as a display inthe closed position without the aid of the stand 47. The magnet 61 willprovide means for attachment of the container to a separate surfacenonintegral with said container surfaces, such as a refrigerator door orthe like. In nonpreferred embodiments, the container 11 may haveadditional means for aiding in display, such as holes in the containeror appendages thereon, for receiving mounting means such as picturehooks or the like.

[0031] Referencing FIGS. 6-9, a container such as box 101 is preferablyof clear plastic and of any desired size and contains a removableplurality of printable paper sheets 103, preferably of photo-gradepaper. The box need not necessarily be hinged or have more than onetranslucent surface. The box 101 can be inserted into a frame 105, shownin side views and back view for each of FIGS. 6-9. The frame 105provides additional display opportunities for any printed subject mattercontained on the paper sheets 103. The frame 105 is shown as havingsupport means which may comprise first and second legs 107, 109respectively, for supporting and holding the frame 105 at a viewingangle. The frame 105 further comprises a box holding means such as asleeve 111 which may comprise a box-like structure open at the top asshown in FIG. 6. Alternative box holding means may include thethree-sided rail arrangement 113 of FIG. 7, the bottom corner bracket115 with top side bracket 117 assembly of FIG. 8, or the shelf 119 andpivotable side arm 121 assembly of FIG. 9, or combinations thereof,allowing the box 101 and paper sheets 103 to be conveniently held to theframe 105 while being easily accessed and easily displayed.

[0032] Having thus described an exemplary embodiment of the point ofsale package for the sale of image-quality printing paper serving as adisplay means for printed images, it will be appreciated that manyvariants of the described embodiment may occur to person of ordinaryskill in the art. The scope of the present invention is not intended tobe limited by the described embodiment, but only by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for the point of purchase packaging ofprinting paper, and the display of images printed on the paper,comprising: a) a rigid container having a first section and a secondsection, the first section having a major surface and at least one sidewall perpendicular to the first section major surface, the secondsection having a major surface and at least one side wall perpendicularto the second section major surface, the first and second sections beinghingedly connected and releasably engageable to form an enclosure in anengaged position of the first and second sections, one of the first andsecond sections having means for releasably supporting a plurality ofpaper sheets; and b) a plurality of blank sheets of paper containedwithin the container, the sheets sized to fit within one of the firstand second sections, at least one surface of each sheet beingconstructed and arranged for accepting and retaining image printingcompounds.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: the paperconstructed and arranged to maintain high-resolution images thereon. 3.The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: the paper constructed andarranged to have a weight greater than 20 pounds and a brightness ratinggreater than or equal to
 92. 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein themeans for releasably supporting a plurality of paper sheets is a singleshelf with a retaining surface parallel to one of the major surfaces. 5.The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a stand capable ofsupporting the container, the stand being substantially flat in a firstposition and sized to fit within the container when the first and secondsections are engaged, and foldable to a second position whereby thestand will support the container.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 whereinthe stand is made from a resilient material.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5wherein the stand has first and second halves connected by a livinghinge, the stand being usable as a biasing means within the containerfor urging a piece of the paper against one of the major surfaces. 8.The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: the hinge allowing arotation of the first section greater than 270 degrees from an engagedposition with the second section, whereby the second section acts as abase for support of the first section in an upright display position. 9.The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: the container being of astandard commercial compact disc case size.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9wherein the dimensions of the container are 4.92 inches by 5.65 inchesby 0.41 inches.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: atleast one of the major surfaces being translucent.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 11 wherein the translucent surface further comprises a UV lightinhibitor.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: all surfacesof the container being translucent.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: means for attachment of the container to a separate surfacenonintegral with said container surfaces.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13wherein the means for attachment of the container to a separate surfacenonintegral with said container surfaces comprises a magnet.
 16. Amethod of packaging point of purchase printing paper, and the display ofimages printed on the paper, comprising: a) providing a rigid containerhaving a first section and a second section, the first section having amajor surface and at least one side wall perpendicular to the firstsection major surface, the second section having a major surface and atleast one side wall perpendicular to the second section major surface,hingedly connecting the first and second sections so as to be releasablyengageable to form an enclosure in an engaged position of the first andsecond sections; and b) placing a plurality of blank sheets of paperwithin the container, the sheets sized to fit within one of the firstand second sections, at least one surface of each of the sheets beingconstructed and arranged for accepting and retaining image printingcompounds, and placing the first and second sections in the engagedposition.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: providing paperconstructed and arranged to maintain high-resolution images thereon. 18.The method of claim 16 further comprising: providing one the first andsecond sections with means for releasably supporting a plurality ofpaper sheets within the container.
 19. The method of claim 16 furthercomprising: providing within the container a stand capable of supportingthe container, the stand being substantially flat in a first positionand sized to fit within the container when the first and second sectionsare engaged and foldable to a second position whereby the stand willsupport the container.
 20. The method of claim 16 further comprising:allowing a rotation of the first section greater than 270 degrees fromthe engaged position with the second section, whereby the second sectionacts as a base for support of the first section in an upright displayposition.
 21. The method of claim 16 further comprising: providing atleast one translucent major surface.